Sunday league joins forces with Robins (From Evesham Journal)

Sunday league joins forces with Robins

7:40am Saturday 23rd June 2012 in Football

THE Birdseye Sports Evesham Sunday League has joined forces with Evesham United for the new season.

From the start of the 2012- 13 campaign, the league will move from their Evesham Working Men’s club base to the Robins’ new Jubilee Stadium in Cheltenham Road.

As well as holding their committee meetings at the venue, it is hoped some of the league’s cup finals will take place at the £2million development.

League secretary Martin Malin said: “We think it’s a chance for us both to work together.

“We provide football for the community at amateur level and they are our senior team in the area. We see it as an opportunity to work with them to provide football in the community.”

Meanwhile, at the league’s annual meeting, a presentation was made to referee Charlie Cook who has had to retire on health grounds.

Long service awards were made to Tewkesbury Town and referee Malcolm Harris.

Other awards — club secretary of the year: Emerson Paul (Lenches Lions); club linesman: Martin Handy (Honeybourne Gate Inn); referee: Harris; Jack Honeybone Trophy (team of the season): AC Olympia.

The league will also be part of a two-year pilot scheme introduced by the FA allowing repeat substitutions in the hope of retaining more players in adult football.

In total, 44 teams will compete next season, which kicks off on Sunday, September 2.

League constitution for 2012-13, Division One: Black Bear, Bretforton Old Boys, Broadway United, Defford/Besford United, Eckington, Evesham WMC, Honeybourne Gate Inn, Mickleton Rangers, Pinvin United, Red Horse.

Division Two: AC Olympia, Alderton, Bear, Bredon, Cheltenham Saints, Cidermill, Fladbury Athletic, Lenches Lions, Stour Excelsior, Tesco United, WMK, Apperley/Tewkesbury Dynamos.

Division Three: Ambassador, Ashton-under- Hill, Badsey Recreation, Broadway United Reserves, Gardeners Arms, Offenham Rovers, Pershore Athletic, Tewkesbury Town, Ecosamba, FC Fairfield, Salford Priors.

Division Four: Alcester Town, Anchor Harriers, Elmley Castle, George & Dragon, Pebworth, Stour Excelsior Reserves, Sun Inn, Trumpet, Bengeworth, Campden Town, Vale Wanderers.